Texas Abortion Law: What Should You Know?

Since the US Supreme court ruled abortions banning laws as violations of the US Constitution in 1973, Texas had made multiple attempts to pass bills that mimicked similar goals to that of a law that simply put, banned abortions. On March 11th, Texas introduced the Heartbeat Bill. By May 19th, Governor Greg Abbott had signed it into law. The Texas Heartbeat Act took effect on September 1st, 2021.

This law’s objective was to put forth a ban on any abortion performed after fetal heartbeat detection, something that can materialize as early as 6 weeks, a point when most women do not even know of their pregnancy. The deliberation in the making of the law was to prevent any opposition in court by introducing civil enforcement, thus, the existence of legal cases and financial ruins as influencing factors. Civil suits can now be brought against anyone who aids a woman in getting an abortion and wins $10,000 if the case prevails in court. Anyone’s involvement may be suspected, from the providers at the clinic, family and friends, even bystanders providing directions or rides, or those providing consultations, counseling, any form of support or guidance.

Passing this act does not eliminate the occurrence of abortions, nor does it lessen the problems at hand. Abortions continue to happen, whether out of state, in clinics privately, or at unsafe locations. It does, however, put women at much more risk as they are refused their human rights, but not provided any sufficient compensation like Planned Parenthood, better Healthcare, financial aid, and a continuing list of other varied resources. Women who can afford to get out-of-state procedures will and are getting abortions done at clinics in nearby states. Yet, for women from low-income families, this may not even be a possibility, further creating a divide and worsening the situation for women who could have only relied on such previously available sources.

Anti-abortion advocates stand against the concept of innocent lives being lost at the choice of another. For pro-life supporters, this bill’s passing is a victory in abolishing abortions and they continue to use protests as opportunities to educate and create allies for future support in similar areas of concern.

Since its effect, Texas has experienced numerous protests, rising complaints from providers and advocators, and is presently being sued by the Justice Department. As rallies occur for both sides of the belief, cases rule out against abortion providers, and opinions are expressed on the issue, the federal judge’s ruling alongside the extent to which the government will intervene, is awaited.